A truck snagged communication cables, pulling down over 70 medium-voltage electric poles, causing damage estimated at millions. Power supply has been temporarily restored in some areas as electrical system repairs accelerate.
On 30 January 2026, a truck caught communication lines, causing a long row of electric poles to topple near the entrance to Bang Pu Industrial Estate at around 01:00.Read report: Truck snags communication lines at Bang Pu industrial estate entrance, topples 70 electric poles, causing widespread blackout.)
This morning, reporters on site found some residents and students waiting at the roadside for buses, as bus stops were damaged by fallen poles. Officials have temporarily restored electricity in some areas. Police tested the truck driver for alcohol, with negative results.
Mr. Pasuthorn Rattanakham, an electrical engineer at the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), said after assessing the damage that the toppled poles stretch from the curve in front of Muang Samut Bang Pu Hospital to Bang Pu Subdistrict Municipality Soi 81, covering nearly 2 kilometers. Seventy poles, each 12 meters high, were affected along with nearly 2 kilometers of damaged medium and low voltage cables.
Mr. Pasuthorn added that repairs require MEA’s emergency plan, mobilizing staff from nearby districts and headquarters. Work is expected to continue until about 23:00 today. Officials will temporarily realign poles to expedite reconnection and restore power quickly, with permanent repairs to the original pole alignment planned later.
The damage value cannot yet be disclosed as a detailed assessment is ongoing. Besides the electrical system, streetlight poles, CCTV poles, and multiple bus stops were damaged by fallen poles. Bang Pu Subdistrict Municipality and related agencies will assess damages and proceed accordingly.
